Indulge in the timeless elegance and irresistible taste of a classic white cake with our delightful recipe. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply craving a sweet treat, this heavenly creation is sure to impress. With its light, fluffy texture and luscious creamy frosting, this white cake recipe is bound to become a favorite in your baking repertoire.
Ingredients:
- 5 egg whites (at room temperature)
- ¾ cup buttermilk
- ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 2 ½ cup cake flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened (for frosting)
- 4 ½ cups powdered sugar
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract (for frosting)
- 3 tablespoons milk (for frosting)
Directions:
- Preparation: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F. Grease and flour two 9-inch cake pans, then line the bottoms with parchment paper for easy removal. Set aside.
- Prepare Egg Whites: In a small bowl, gently combine the egg whites with ¼ cup of buttermilk. Set this mixture aside for later use.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar until creamy and smooth, typically taking 2-3 minutes. Incorporate the vanilla extract into the mixture.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients – cake flour, baking powder, and kosher salt – to the butter-sugar mixture. Mix until well combined. Slowly incorporate the egg white mixture into the batter.
- Add Buttermilk: Beat in the remaining buttermilk for 1-2 minutes until the batter achieves a fluffy consistency.
- Bake: Evenly distribute the batter into the prepared cake pans. Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 25-28 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Once baked, allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 5 minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.
- Prepare Frosting: While the cakes cool, prepare the frosting. Beat the softened butter for 3-4 minutes until it turns pale. Gradually add powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk to the butter, beating continuously until the frosting reaches a fluffy and smooth texture.
- Assemble the Cake: Once the cakes are completely cooled, place one layer on a cake plate. Spread a generous layer of frosting over the top of the first layer. Carefully position the second layer on top and proceed to frost the sides and top of the cake with the remaining frosting.
Serving and Storage Tips:
1. Perfect Portions: When serving this delectable white cake, aim for evenly sliced portions to ensure everyone gets a taste of its heavenly goodness. Use a sharp knife dipped in warm water for clean, smooth slices.
2. Garnish with Elegance: Elevate the presentation of your white cake by garnishing each slice with a sprinkle of powdered sugar, fresh berries, or delicate edible flowers. These elegant touches add visual appeal and complement the cake’s flavor beautifully.
3. Store with Care: To maintain the cake’s freshness and texture, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you’re in a warmer climate or prefer to extend its shelf life, refrigerate the cake, but allow it to come to room temperature before serving for the best taste and texture.
4. Freeze for Future Indulgence: For longer storage, wrap individual slices or the entire cake tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before placing it in the freezer. Properly stored, the cake can last for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before enjoying.
5. Rejuvenate Leftovers: If your cake begins to dry out slightly, don’t despair. Simply revive it by brushing each slice with a light syrup or simple syrup made from equal parts sugar and water, infused with a hint of vanilla or citrus zest. This will add moisture and enhance the cake’s flavor, giving it a fresh-from-the-oven taste.
6. Share the Joy: White cake is meant to be shared and enjoyed with loved ones. Whether it’s a casual gathering, birthday celebration, or impromptu tea party, serving this delightful treat is sure to create cherished memories and moments of pure indulgence. So gather your friends and family, slice into this heavenly creation, and let the joy of good company and delicious cake fill the air.
Variations:
1. Lemon Zest Infusion: Add a burst of citrus flavor to your white cake by incorporating 2 tablespoons of freshly grated lemon zest into the batter. This variation offers a refreshing twist that complements the sweetness of the cake and pairs beautifully with a tangy lemon frosting.
2. Almond Extract Elegance: For a subtle yet sophisticated flavor profile, substitute almond extract for the vanilla extract in both the cake batter and frosting. The delicate almond aroma adds depth to the cake’s flavor, creating an irresistible treat that’s perfect for weddings and elegant soirées.
3. Berry Bliss: Elevate your white cake with the addition of fresh or frozen berries folded into the batter before baking. Whether you choose raspberries, blueberries, or strawberries, the burst of juicy fruit adds a pop of color and natural sweetness that’s both visually stunning and deliciously satisfying.
4. Coconut Dream: Transport your taste buds to a tropical paradise with a coconut-infused white cake. Simply replace a portion of the buttermilk with coconut milk and fold in 1 cup of sweetened shredded coconut for a rich, indulgent texture. Top with coconut-flavored frosting and toasted coconut flakes for a decadent finish.
5. Chocolate Indulgence: For chocolate lovers, transform your white cake into a chocolate delight by incorporating ½ cup of unsweetened cocoa powder into the batter. This variation creates a moist and decadent chocolate cake with a hint of vanilla undertones, perfect for satisfying even the most intense chocolate cravings.
6. Vanilla Bean Luxury: For a truly indulgent experience, infuse your white cake with the aromatic flavor of vanilla beans. Split a vanilla bean lengthwise and scrape out the seeds, then add them to the batter and frosting for a luxurious touch that’s sure to impress. The tiny black specks of vanilla bean add visual appeal and intense vanilla flavor to every bite.
7. Nutty Crunch: Add texture and depth to your white cake by incorporating chopped nuts such as almonds, pecans, or walnuts into the batter. Fold in 1 cup of your favorite nuts before pouring the batter into the cake pans for a crunchy contrast to the soft, tender crumb of the cake. Top with a creamy nut-flavored frosting for a harmonious finish.
FAQs :
1. Can I use whole eggs instead of just egg whites in this recipe? While this recipe specifically calls for egg whites, you can use whole eggs if you prefer. Keep in mind that using whole eggs may result in a slightly denser texture compared to using only egg whites.
2. Can I substitute cake flour with all-purpose flour? Cake flour is preferred for its finer texture, which results in a lighter and more delicate crumb. However, if you don’t have cake flour on hand, you can substitute it with all-purpose flour, but the texture of the cake may be slightly different.
3. How do I know when the cake is done baking? A toothpick inserted into the center of the cake should come out clean, with no crumbs clinging to it. Additionally, the edges of the cake should start pulling away from the sides of the pan, and the top should spring back lightly when touched.
4. Can I make this cake in advance? Yes, you can bake the cake layers in advance and store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. Alternatively, you can freeze the unfrosted cake layers for longer storage.
5. Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter? While you can use salted butter, it’s best to use unsalted butter in baking recipes to control the amount of salt in the recipe. If using salted butter, you may want to reduce the amount of additional salt added to the recipe.
In just under an hour, you’ve created a masterpiece fit for any celebration or indulgent moment. With its moist, tender crumb and decadent frosting, this white cake recipe is guaranteed to leave a lasting impression on all who taste it. Enjoy every heavenly bite of this classic treat, and savor the joy it brings to every occasion.